"Due to the tragedy of April 16, we understand the Gilchrist family's genuine concerns regarding Augustus attending Virginia Tech in the fall of 2007," head coach Seth Greenberg said. "We think the world of the Gilchrist family and developed a close relationship during the course of the recruiting process over the past two years."

"We respect his decision to attend prep school and use the year to mature, continue his development and better evaluate the healing process on the Virginia Tech campus. It is our hope, that as time passes, he will embrace the reasons he originally committed to Virginia Tech and the tremendous opportunity that both a Virginia Tech education and Virginia Tech basketball can offer his future.

"It's important to understand that the Gilchrist family has not asked for a release. Although disappointed, we respect their decision and look forward to having them back on campus this fall so they can see first-hand the togetherness and unity of our campus."